After 120 minutes of regular and extra time, the game ended 1-1, bringing the crucial match to penalties. Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria the lead in the third minute, but M. Elia of DR Congo tied the score in the 32nd. Both teams created opportunities in extra time, with Nwabali making a vital save from a DR Congo free kick and Tolu Arokodare missing a header for Nigeria, but neither side was able to break the impasse.

Throughout the penalty shootout, the suspense persisted. Moses Simon and Calvin Bassey of Nigeria lost early opportunities, and Nwabali stopped DR Congo’s first penalty. The Super Eagles were kept alive by Akor Adams, but Nigeria fell down 4-3 in the shootout as DR Congo retaliated through Sadique and then converted the game-winning fourth penalty.